Differential Diagnosis (Elevated BNP)

BNP In Obese Patients

Obese patients also frequently treated for hypertension or coronary artery disease which may also contribute to lower BNP levels

Interpretation

In one study of 204 patients with acute CHF, an inverse relationship between BMI and BNP was noted. The standard cutoff of 100pg/mL resulted in a 20% false-negative rate[9]

Analysis of a subgroup of patients with documented BMI from the Breathing Not Properly study showed that a lower cutoff was more appropriate to maintain 90% sensitivity in obese and morbidly obese patients (54pg/mL)[10]